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Hard work off the field, hustle on it and the natural asset of speed has served Brooke Boggess well as she continues her trek across Utah, and now Idaho, to play softball.
Boggess, a "lefty slapper" according to Southern Idaho coach Nick Baumert, started high school at Northridge in Layton before moving to St. George for her junior and senior years at Dixie High. The last two seasons have been at Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, and Boggess is hoping to continue her softball days after she leaves the two-year school.
Her quickness is Boggess' biggest asset in getting on the Golden Eagles' roster, and that's what she hopes will land her a spot at a school like Utah Valley University or Dixie State back in St. George next season.
"She's had some good games when she's had a chance," Baumert said. "She's earning her starts here and there. When we need to steal a base, she's a kid that runs really well."
In limited at-bats, Boggess also hits pretty well. Her .412 average puts her near the top of the team statistics for Southern Idaho.
Still, it's all in the capacity as a role player. And the sophomore, who said she's going to concentrate on getting a business degree on the academic side of things, knows that the effort to play softball takes some extra effort.
"I've definitely thought about that because playing softball and going to class takes a lot of time," Boggess said.
But what keeps her going is the love of softball, something she's had since she started the sport at the age of 8.
What's at the top of her mind now is how Southern Idaho finishes the season, and a potential trip home as a Golden Eagle.
"We were second to Salt Lake [Community College] last year," Boggess said. "We're 19-1 in conference right now, and we'd like to get to nationals, which will be held in St. George. It's actually going really well."